The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the newly constituted Governing Councils for public tertiary institutions by the Federal Government, advocating instead for the reinstatement of the previously disbanded councils.

According to ASUU, the issue revolves around the tenure of the former councils, which had not expired before their removal, making the Federal Government's action illegal. During a press briefing at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Tuesday, ASUU's Lagos Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Adelaja Odukoya, stated that the only valid reason for dismantling the former councils would be if they had violated the law that established them, which was not the case.

"The councils were removed without completing their tenure, which is illegal. They should only be disbanded if they committed an offense or engaged in illegality, but that wasn't the situation. We demand their reinstatement. If this illegal act by the government goes unchallenged, it sets a precedent for arbitrary decisions, like disbanding universities," Odukoya said. He compared it to the President being asked to leave office before his term ends.

Odukoya also mentioned that some unions and individuals supporting the new councils do not represent ASUU's stance. He noted that the situation has resulted in some vice-chancellors acting autocratically on campuses, and ASUU is addressing these issues.

Regarding the non-release of withheld salaries of ASUU members, Odukoya emphasized that the government would not succeed in imposing a master-servant relationship on lecturers. "We are not slaves and are prepared to strike if necessary. The court case against us by the former administration is concluded, and nothing stops us from striking if needed. The government promised peace and harmony on campuses, but their actions are leading to conflict," he said.